Page 77 of Of Blood & Bone: The Young Queen

He falls onto the pillow beside me and enfolds me gently into his arms. “It brings me great joy to see you embracing your sexual side with such enthusiasm,” he says in a low voice.

“My sexual side is bringing me quite a lot of joy.” I chuckle as I relish the feel of his naked flesh pressed upon my own.

He doesn’t reply and even though he seems content to lie here in the early morning light and hold me in his arms, I get the feeling he’s thinking about something. My suspicions are confirmed when he next speaks. “Back in that strange place, the night you were looking for me with Barra and Aaran, something happened between you and them, didn’t it?”

My breath catches in my throat at his question and I have no idea how to reply. He maneuvers me in his arms and turns me to face him. “Elinor, remember we said we had honesty between us? It’s important to preserve that. I know something happened. It’s fine. You can tell me. They’re good men and I encouraged you to embrace your awakening.” He stops and looks deeply into my eyes, searching for an answer. Seeking the truth. He smiles a gentle smile. “And I still do. They’re two of the finest men I know. You know my story now and you’ve seen firsthand how broken I am. It’s going to take some time before I’m fully present for you. Fulfil your desires with Aaran and Barra. Lean on them and draw strength from them, especially when I’m absent from you.”

He averts his eyes then as it’s obvious he is yet again overcome with shame from his breakdown the other night. I tighten my embrace, glad of the reprieve from his gaze. “Yes, something happened,” I admit in a hoarse whisper, “and I enjoyed it, but I’m not accustomed to these types of relationships. Hell, I’m not accustomed to any kind of relationship and I’m confused and unsure as to how to navigate it all.”

He lets out a soft laugh. “Don’t try and rationalise it, Elinor. Passion and desire don’t play by the rules. Go with the flow. Embrace your power and your needs.” He places a soft kiss on my forehead. “Perhaps one day our feelings for each other will deepen to the extent it will just be you and me. Perhaps you’ll always want the three of us. Who knows? What I do know is to deny your desires now, during your awakening, will only intensify them down the line. I prefer you get whatever you need out of your system now than at some point in the future when there is the distinct possibility I will feel more deeply for you.”

I place the palm of my hand on the side of his face and caress his chiseled features. I’m just about to respond to hiswords when I hear a noise in my outer chamber and realise the secret door to the passageway leading to the Khaleeni camp is opening. Only one person is allowed unannounced access to my chambers and she wouldn’t be calling on me this morning unless it was something urgent.

I pull my chambergown around me and make my way to the outer chamber where I find Kes waiting for me. “My Queen, sincerest apologies,” she declares in a tense voice. “I would not disturb you, especially this morning of all mornings, but I’m afraid I need to ask you to come with me. We have a bit of a situation back at camp that needs your attention.”

I can see from her demeanour something is wrong. “Of course, Kes,” I reply. “I’ll just get dressed and be with you presently.”

She nods. “Good.” Then she looks beyond me to the bedchamber. “But you must come alone.”

I nod as I turn to make my way to my dressing room. “Fine. I understand.”

I’m ready as the first morning bell begins to chime in the Great Cathedral and I bend down to kiss the prince, my husband, farewell. “Are you sure you don’t need me to accompany you?” he asks.

“I’m sure,” I reply with a smile. “It’s simply Khaleeni business. You just need to get your handsome backside out of my bed before my chambermaids arrive. I think they might never recover from the shock of finding such a fine specimen as you naked in my bed.”

He chuckles. “I kind of like the idea of shocking a few chambermaids. It would make for a rather fun start to the day.”

I affect a false frown. “You can have that type of fun as much as you like once our marriage has been announced,” I chide him, “but until then you need to keep a low profile.”

He leans up and places a swift kiss on my lips. “Go and attend to your business, I shall see you later.”

***

The scene that awaits me back at the Khaleeni camp is one I can hardly believe. Aaran is in the centre of the practice arena and six Khaleeni surround him, their spears drawn and pointed at his chest. Kes explained on our way here that he had been discovered in the armory, helping himself to a number of arms. When challenged as to his purpose, he had merely informed the two Khaleeni who had found him to step aside and allow him on his way. They hadn’t and a skirmish had occurred which had resulted in him being surrounded and detained here in the practice arena. Kes had been summoned and he had refused to tell her what was wrong, simply demanding that she release him. When she refused, he demanded to see me.

His expression is strained and his eyes are two blue flames of fury. He brandishes a sword in each hand and snarls at the Khaleeni surrounding him. “Let me go. The only reason I haven’t harmed you is out of respect for the queen, but I’m fast losing patience.” His eyes blaze and a wild energy emanates from him, much like a caged beast.

“Sire, whatever is the matter?” I ask and he swirls around to face me.

“Queen Elinor, tell your Khaleeni to release me. I need to speak with Barra and the prince and we must leave Valensia on urgent business.”

My eyes go wide with shock. This is the last thing I expected to hear from him and I can’t imagine what reason he has to suddenly leave Valensia.

“Pray, sire, on what business do you wish to leave the city?”

He fixes me with eyes of blue ice and even though they burn with rage I also see a shadow of misgiving as he looks at me. “It really is a matter I need to discuss with the prince and Barra.”

I take a few steps towards him and indicate for the Khaleeni to lower their spears. I place my hand on his chest, over his heart and in a low voice ask, “Aaran, what is it that vexes you so?”

His breathing slows and he looks to my hand on his chest. I can feel the frantic beating of his heart and wonder what it could be that has caused him such upset. I’m almost afraid to find out.

He lowers his head and his voice. “Queen Elinor, I would speak with you in private,” he asks, and something in his eyes tells me whatever it is that bothers him means a great deal to him.

I think carefully as I feel his heartbeat start to steady under my touch and I realise it’s me who is having this calming effect on him. The memory of him inside me in the Craglands and the reverence with which he and Barra treated me makes me further realise he would never harm me.

I dismiss the Khaleeni.

“My Queen, are you sure?” Kes asks.

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